Russia Seeks Ex-Yukos Accountant From U.K. on Fraud

Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) -- The Russian government is seeking Yukos Oil Co.'s former deputy chief accountant from the U.K. on allegations he conspired with others to defraud the state of 76 billion rubles ($2.6 billion) by failing to deliver oil.

Dmitriy Maruev, 39, and Natalia Chernysheva, 40, previously head of the unit at Menatep Bank bidding for state companies to be privatized, deny the allegations. They are contesting the extradition, which is being heard at Bow Street Magistrates Court in central London.

The allegations expand the Russian government's case against Yukos, which has so far centered on demands for $7.5 billion in back taxes and fines in Russia. Yukos spokesman Alexander Shadrin declined to comment.

The two are accused of conspiring in 1997 to obtain 76 billion rubles from the regional administration for Volgograd with a false contract to supply oil products, the court and Crown Prosecution Service said. They are also accused of working with former Yukos Chief Executive Officer Mikhail Khodorkovsky to defraud the Russian government.

Chernysheva also faces an allegation that she, as well as others including Khodorkovsky, defrauded the property foundation in Murmansk over the acquisition of shares in Apatit, a state company being sold by the state, the CPS said.

Past Requests

The two, who have not been charged, appeared today at the court in central London for a preliminary hearing. They have surrendered their passports to the police and are on conditional bail. A hearing will be held Dec. 10. A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said extradition proceedings began May 11.

Edward Fitzgerald QC, representing Chernysheva, told the court they have problems obtaining factual and expert witnesses because Khodorkovsky's trial is ongoing. An interpreter was present in court for the defendants.

Khodorkovsky, 41, was arrested Oct. 25, 2003. Once Russia's richest man, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

The Russian government's recent extradition attempts have failed. Requests for billionaire Boris Berezovsky and his aide Yuli Dubov were blocked last year after Britain granted them political asylum. The court at Bow Street also rejected Russia's bid for Chechen envoy Akhmed Zakayev last year, wanted on terrorism charges, saying the case was politically motivated.

John Hardy QC is representing the Russian government, while Edward Fitzgerald QC and law firm Corker Binning are acting for Chernysheva. James Eadie and law firm Peters and Peters are representing Maruev.

(From Bloomberg)